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The RAW after SummerSlam was a good one. Just like WrestleMania this year, WWE chose not to keep big returns and debuts post-SummerSlam, but that didn't affect the show too much.
We had already-existing storylines continue and new feuds began. With that said, there are some exciting directions and stories that were teased. All in all, it was a fun episode to watch and there was good progression with the build to Extreme Rules beginning.
A shoutout to Reggie, who has been entertaining as always. This week, he escaped R-Truth and Akira Tozawa by giving them ice cream and then climbing a tree, hopping on top of the ice cream van, and then driving off with it.
ReggieMania is still running wild, but let's focus on the other things WWE subtly told us on RAW after SummerSlam 2021:
#8. The WWE title picture on RAW has a lot to unfold
Bobby Lashley opened this week's RAW and mocked Goldberg for what happened at SummerSlam 2021. Both Lashley and MVP refused to take responsibility for what happened to Gage.
Damian Priest came out to confront The All Mighty and hit back at him for disrespecting Goldberg after everything that happened. It led to a match between the two champions, but that unraveled quickly.
The opening champion vs. champion bout on RAW ended in a DQ when Sheamus attacked Priest. It led to a tag team match with Damian Priest teaming up with Drew McIntyre to take on Bobby Lashley and Sheamus.
There are a few things that WWE subtly told us in this match alone:
1) The only reason McIntyre isn't in the WWE title picture again is that he can't be as long as Lashley is the champion. Despite this, he was the one who picked up the win for his team and not Priest.
2) Goldberg is most certainly returning at some point this year, presumably at the Crown Jewel pay-per-view this October. The commentators wouldn't have said "Goldberg must be watching closely" if they didn't intend to book a rematch. This could also mean that Bobby Lashley loses the title by October. Otherwise, WWE has to find their way around, maybe via a tag team match.
3) Damian Priest could be in the mix for the WWE title, somehow. Also, Priest and McIntyre could have a small alliance for a while after their backstage segment where they went for a drink together.
Just to mention how the match ended on RAW - Lashley walked out on Sheamus. It was a bit chaotic but The Celtic Warrior managed to get the Brogue Kick on Damian Priest. He would have won if it weren't for Lashley walking out, but Priest tagged in McIntyre on time.
The Scottish Warrior was victorious, but it isn't clear yet where he is going. For now, having regular TV time, picking up wins, and being hot with the crowd seems to be enough.
As for Sheamus and Bobby Lashley, the two men had a verbal altercation backstage and they will face off in a match on RAW next week.
#7. Did we see the formation of a new tag team on RAW?
Earlier on RAW backstage, Nikki A.S.H. was seen approaching Rhea Ripley. While she was upset about losing the Women's title, she didn't want to let that dampen her spirits.
She approached Ripley and asked her to team up to face Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler later in the night. The Nightmare accepted and the match was official. It was a fun match to watch, with Nikki and Rhea showing signs of great chemistry.
The finish to the match was incredible as well. Nikki A.S.H. took a huge dive and splashed on Nia Jax outside the ring while Rhea Ripley finished Shayna Baszler with a Riptide.
The RAW commentary team mentioned that the two got along well as a tag team, and although Corey Graves was skeptical, even he couldn't fully deny it. From the look of things, a new tag team may have been formed.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Ripley and Nikki form an "odd pair" tag team and receive a title push. They could be the ones to dethrone Natalya and Tamina soon.
#6. The end of The Miz and John Morrison on RAW
We've seen tension between The Miz and John Morrison on RAW for a while now, but things finally reached a boiling point. It was the Moist TV segment with Logan Paul, and unsurprisingly, the YouTube star-turned boxer didn't get a great reception.
Paul wasn't presented as a heel, but the WWE Universe treated him as one, which was admittedly hilarious. It seems like he came to promote his brother Jake Paul's fight against former UFC Champion Tyron Woodley, which is happening soon.
The Miz even came out on RAW and taunted Logan Paul, which seemingly got a great reaction from the crowd. Paul left early and Xavier Woods came out and defeated The A-Lister in a singles match. Before the match, however, things had reached a boiling point between the latter and Morrison.
It was clear that the break-up was coming soon, but we didn't see it happening on the same night. Post-match, when The Miz lost to Woods, Morrison still seemed to be in good spirits and suggested a drip stick fight. His partner finally turned on John Morrison and attacked him, with the latter seemingly turning face in the process.
Morrison didn't act like a face, but The Miz turning on him seems to have cemented the change in dynamic on RAW. John Morrison said that he would get back at The A-Lister in the ring next week on RAW, hinting at a match that was made official for next week.
#5. The Eva Marie-Doudrop feud starts on RAW
At SummerSlam, the RAW feud between Eva Marie and Alexa Bliss came to an end, with the latter picking up the win. Post-match, Doudrop announced Marie as the loser of the match - getting a big pop in the process.
Backstage on RAW this week, the former was interviewed and expressed her regret for associating with Eva Marie. She said she likes the name Doudrop and that's what she will go with, even though Piper Niven was a better name.
Marie slammed her head repeatedly from behind, with their feud officially starting on RAW. It's good because there needs to be more non-title women's feuds on both main roster brands.
The two will face off on the Red brand next week.
#4. Jinder Mahal begins his next mini-feud on RAW
This week on the Monday night show, the up-and-coming Mansoor took on Jinder Mahal, who had Veer and Shany by his side. Mansoor had Mustafa Ali on his side. The match was a short one and it ended in a DQ loss for Mahal after he refused to adhere to the referee's five-count as he stomped his opponent in the corner.
He didn't seem to care about the loss and looked proud of himself. It looks like a feud between Mansoor, Mustafa Ali, and Jinder Mahal is taking place. Ali told his partner off and said that it needs to be done "his way".
#3. Charlotte Flair's next RAW Women's title feud revealed
Charlotte Flair received a great reaction when she won the RAW Women's title at SummerSlam 2021. She even got a great reaction on the Red brand when she came out and cut a promo.
Once again, she reminded us that she is a 12-time Women's Champion, with her two NXT Women's title victories not counted. Despite all the cheers, she was quick to turn on the crowd and tell them she doesn't need the WWE Universe.
It was a good way to get heat, although the point of Nikki A.S.H.'s Money in the Bank and RAW Women's title win seems to have gone down the drain. Charlotte Flair's next title opponent was revealed - Alexa Bliss.
Bliss, who defeated Eva Marie at SummerSlam, came out and simply said hi. Flair seemed zoned out for a moment, which indicated Alexa Bliss/Lilly's effect. It's going to be an interesting rivalry. Alexa Bliss was the RAW Women's Champion three years ago in 2018 when Ronda Rousey defeated her and won the title at SummerSlam.
Since then, the only championship success she has had was in the Women's Tag Team division. Her main singles title runs happened between December 2016 and August 2018. But it's good to see her back in the singles title picture again.
#2. Karrion Kross gets a slightly new look on RAW, but how far will it help him go?
One night after his loss to Samoa Joe at NXT Takeover 36, Karrion Kross appeared on RAW. It wasn't a regular entrance, however, as he was covered in new gear that looked like it was from the medieval era.
While the attire is cool, there still seems to be something missing from Kross, and that is obviously Scarlett. She adds a lot to his character beyond his entrance.
On the latest episode of RAW, Karrion Kross squashed Ricochet. For somebody who suffered two defeats within a few weeks of his main roster debut, Kross now has more victories.
From the look of things, WWE is intent on pushing him. But they need to take their time and also develop his character and entrance a little more. The crowd had heat with Kross, which is obviously a great sign as a heel. But how sustainable is his push going to be? Atleast he's picking up wins on RAW, so that's a positive sign if nothing else.
#1. RK-Bro solidify their reign as RAW Tag Team champions
RK-Bro don't have many options when it comes to RAW Tag Team title challengers. For now, The Viking Raiders and AJ Styles & Omos seem to be their only options.
Riddle told Randy Orton backstage on RAW that there was a big celebration planned, and The Viper seemed less-than-thrilled about it. He didn't want anything too fancy, but his tag team partner had it all planned out.
In the show's main segment right at the end, Riddle brought out Orton and gifted him with a scooter, that came into use later. AJ Styles and Omos came out, with The Phenomenal One having a lot to say.
Styles faced Riddle in the main event and it was another exciting match that got a great reaction. Omos was ragdolling Randy Orton when they got involved at ringside, and it was the scooter that The Original Bro got him that made the difference.
Orton hilariously used the scooter to slam Omos and the distraction allowed Riddle to finish Styles and pick up the win. The show ended like how SummerSlam started - with RK-Bro standing tall.
All in all, it wrapped up a good episode of RAW, with the indication that the SummerSlam feud will be renewed at Extreme Rules 2021.
